Saturday, June 21, 2008

A Point is a Point

Well, today was better that last week. That's at least one thing the Wizards can take from the game today in Toronto, they looked much better then they did last week against Columbus. The Wizards still couldn't find net though, and drew 0-0 with Toronto FC at BMO Field today. The Wizards had a few chances in the first half, with Scott Sealy firing just wide and heading wide in the first half. Davy Arnaud also headed wide in the first half, as the Wizards attempted to dictate the tempo, but Toronto was able to hold off and had their fair share of chances as well.

In the second half, Toronto continued to have the better of play and possession, and shots were at a minimum. One of Toronto's best chances came after Amado Guevara was introduced into the game (he along with 3 other regular starters for Toronto, Greg Sutton, Maurice Edu, and Jim Brennan all started on the bench because of their World Cup Qualifiers last week). Guevara received the ball and fired a hard shot high to Hartman's near post. Hartman got up and was able to parry the shot away.

In stoppage time, it looked like Toronto had pulled off a late winner when Laurent Robert's free kick found Danny Dichio, who turned it in, but Dichio was offsides and the goal was rightly called back. About a minute after that play, the Wizards found themselves down a man when Roger Espinoza, in his first appearance since his red card in Columbus, was red carded for an elbow to the back of the head of a Toronto player after he appeared to be fouled by the player. The lack of composure on Espinoza's part didn't hurt the Wizards though, as the final whistle blew before Toronto was able to mount a good attack.

Wizards Man of the Match - Jimmy Conrad - Conrad helped to anchor the back line after a poor performance against Columbus. Conrad and the back line helped hold Toronto to only 7 shots, and only 4 on goal, getting Kevin Hartman his 5th shutout of the season.photo courtesy of Thad Bell